PDR for Herbal Medicines

784 /VALERIAN PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Valerian root (Houghton, 1998; Santos et al, 1994.) One

other mechanism that may contribute to the sedative

properties of Valerian could be the high levels of glutamine

present in the extract Unlike GABA, glutamine more

effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier where it can be

taken up by the nerve terminals and converted to GABA

(Santos. Fero, 1994.)

CLINICAL TRIALS

Improvements in sleep quality ratings were demonstrated in

a well constructed, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-

center study involving 121 patients. Subjects were given

either 600 mg of a 70% ethanol extract (5:1, n = 61) of

Valerian root that was standardized to 0.4 - 0.6% valerenic

acid or placebo (n = 60) one hour before bedtime for 28

consecutive nights. Patients were given two standardized

sleep questionaires; one that measured the depression/mood

scale and another global clinical impression scale. Sixty-six

percent of the Valerian treatment arm rated the therapeutic

effect as either good or very good at the end of the 28 day

trial. This compared to only a 29% equally positive rating by

the placebo participants. (Vorbach, 1996).

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Nervousness and insomnia
  Unproven Uses: Valerian is used for restlessness, sleeping
  disorders based on nervous conditions, mental strain, lack of
  concentration, excitability, stress, headache, neurasthenia,
  epilepsy, hysteria, nervous cardiopathy, menstrual states of
  agitation, pregnancy, menopause, neuralgia, fainting, ner-
  vous stomach cramps, colic, uterine spasticity and states of
  anxiety.
  PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
  General: No health hazards are known in conjunction with
  the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
  Gastrointestinal complaints can occur in rare cases, contact
  allergies in very rare ones.

With long-term administration, the following can occasional-
ly appear: headache, restless states, sleeplessness, mydriasis,
disorders of cardiac function.
When large skin injuries or acute skin illnesses, severe
feverish or infectious diseases, cardiac insufficiency or
hypertonia are present, entire-body baths with the addition of
the volatile oil or of extracts from the drug should be
avoided.
Drug Interactions: Valerian may potentiate the effect of
other CNS depressants. Animal studies have shown that
Valerian has an additive effect when used in combination
with barbiturates and benzodiazepines (Leuschner, 1993;
Hiller, 1996.) Though there has been no evidence of

potentiation of the CNS depressive effect when combined

with alcohol, it is not recommended that Valerian be used in

conjunction with alcohol. Because of the sedative effect of

Valerian, operation of machinery or motor vehicles should

be avoided for several hours after injesting Valerian

products.

Pregnancy: Use of Valerian during pregnancy or in nursing

mothers is not recommended.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Valerian is used internally as

expressed juice from fresh plants, tincture, extracts, and

other galenic preparations. Externally, it is used as a bath

additive, though efficacy is Unproven for this indication.

How Supplied:

Capsules — 100 mg. 250 mg, 380 mg, 400 mg, 445 mg, 450

g, 475 mg, 493 mg. 495 mg, 500 mg, 530 mg, 550 mg, 1000

mg.

Liquid — 1:1

Tablets — 160 mg. 550 mg

Tea Bags

Preparation: To prepare an infusion, use 2 to 3 g of drug per

cup. A tea is prepared by adding 1 teaspoonful (3 to 5 g) of

drug to 150 ml of hot water and strain after 10 to 15 minutes.

An extract is prepared by mixing 2 parts root powder to 6

parts spirit of wine and 9 parts water. For external use, 100 g

of comminuted drug is mixed with 2 liters hot water; this is

then added to the bath.

Daily Dosage: The daily dose of Valerian extract is 100 mg

to 3800 mg. Total internal daily dose is 15 g of root powder.

Infusion — One cup one to several times per day

Tea — One cup (150 ml) 2 to 3 times daily and before

bedtime.

Tincture — 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful (1 to 3 ml) one to several

times per day.

Tincture (1:5) — several times daily 15 to 20 drops in water.

Extract — equivalent 2 to 3 g drug, one to several times per

day.

Plant juice — Adults take 1 tablespoonful 3 times daily.

Children take 1 teaspoonful 3 times daily.

External use — As a bath according to preparation instruc-

tions above.

Sleep Aid — 400 mg to 900 mg of the extract 30 minutes

before bedtime

Restlessness — 220 mg extract three times daily